Rockies Express Pipeline LLC (REX) expects to begin service to Clarington, OH, on Nov. 1 on REX-East, provided horizontal directional drilling between Lebanon, OH, and Clarington at Deer Creek goes as planned, which might not happen, REX said late last week.

“As a result of ongoing issues with completing the initial drill we have commenced drilling a new hole,” REX said. “The pilot hole is roughly half-way complete. We have also installed casing through what was the most troublesome portion of the drill and we are pursuing authority to effect an open-cut crossing in the event of further difficulty on the drill. While we remain optimistic that this crossing will be completed to support a Nov. 1 in-service date, the uncertainties related to completing this crossing puts the projected in-service date at risk.”

Other than the crossing at Deer Creek, all long-line pipeline installation is complete, REX said. “Commissioning at the Hamilton Compressor Station is complete and the station is ready for service,” the pipeline said. “The Chandlersville Compressor Station is in final commissioning and is projected to be ready for service by Nov. 1.”

REX has completed construction of all of its delivery point facilities between Lebanon and Clarington. Pressure testing of the points has been completed. Downstream party facilities at the interconnects are in the final stages of construction and all are expected to be ready to accept deliveries by Nov. 1.

The pipeline recently overcame a court challenge to construction of the eastern leg from Murray Energy Corp., which sought to block pipeline construction over active mining areas in eastern Ohio in the absence of a “definitive mitigation plan” (see Daily GPI, July 16).

Near the end of June REX began serving the Lebanon Hub in western Ohio. The pipeline was previously forced to delay service to Ohio multiple times due to inclement weather and flooding, which hindered construction (see Daily GPI, May 26; May 18).

Since REX service began to Lebanon, the market has seen Rockies basis spreads compress (see Daily GPI, Aug. 24).

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